City guide for visitors, expats and even locals

Foodie Fridays – Vintage

No this is not another post about vintage clothes or furniture. I went to a new restaurant last week and the name just happened to be Vintage.

Opened just about a year ago, this is a surprising little restaurant in Boitsfort across from the Maison Communale. Its run by Maxime Colin, a young chef who previously worked at Le Jaloa and Le Chalet de la Foret (one of my favorite restaurants in Brussels), and his partner. You never know quite what to expect when trying a new restaurant but we were very much pleasantly surprised.

For a Saturday night the place was about half full, which may have been due to the Easter holidays. Nevertheless, the restaurant had a nice atmosphere. The decor is cosy with a touch of glamor – warm lighting, wrought-iron tables, wooden chairs, all in black, beige and a little gold. We were greeted by our friendly waitress and settled in with a glass of champagne.

The menu is limited but interesting. There are about five starters and mains to choose from and a three-course discovery menu for €34. I went for the menu, which included a tuna tartar, rack of lamb and a chocolate dessert. After ordering, we were treated to a delicious mise en bouche of tomato gazpacho soup with a cream foam top and a crème brûlée of fois gras. I know the second one sounds a bit strange, but it was oh so good!

The service was great, with appropriate pacing between courses. The tuna tartar starter was light and delicate, served with greens and an anchovy sauce, and beautifully presented. The lamb was tender and pink, just as it should be, and came with spring vegetables and crispy polenta cakes. Then came dessert – chocolate mousse floating in a bed of banana milkshake sauce. It was pure heaven and I hate every bite!

They have a nice selection of good value wines. We enjoyed a lovely Italian one for €35. Parking was a bit tricky on a Saturday night but we managed to find on spot down the road near the lake. All-in-all, Vintage is a great restaurant with excellent food and service that usually only comes with a higher price tag in Brussels. I will definitely go back again soon.